The city of Huntington Beach banned the use of so-called “Safe and Sane” fireworks 26 years ago. Ten years ago, we began an intensive public education effort to let residents and visitors know that fireworks were not legal in the city of Huntington Beach. We used the water bill insert, city website, posters and handouts to educate and inform people.

As the years went on, we also added electronic signage at our city borders and increased fines for those caught with illegal fireworks.

It was working.

In 2008, we gave out 37 citations; in 2009, we gave out 26; in 2010, we gave out 24; and in 2011, we gave out 21. Each year, the number of citations dropped and there were fewer illegal fireworks being discharged in the city. I am not saying they went away completely, but at least our police and fire departments were able to enforce the law and catch those who still chose to explode illegal fireworks.

Against the recommendation of our police and fire chiefs in 2011, the City Council majority voted to bring back state-approved fireworks to the city of Huntington Beach. I voted against legalizing fireworks – not because I do not support our youth and community groups who benefit from the funds raised, but because I knew what would happen.

The Orange County grand jury found that when cities allowed the use of personal fireworks, the use of illegal fireworks rose, as well.

The last two years, all I have heard from residents after the Fourth are words like “war zone,” “nightmare” “debris-filled streets,” “terrorizing our pets” and more. In numerous emails, I have been asked to “please make fireworks illegal again.”

Our police and fire departments were forced to try to enforce laws regarding illegal fireworks and at the same time to make sure only legal fireworks were used, which is very hard when residents say they were using illegal fireworks in between shooting legal fireworks.

In 2011, there were 406 calls of illegal fireworks reported, and 295, or 73 percent, of those calls were handled.

In 2013, there were 576 calls of illegal fireworks reported, and 282, or 49 percent, of those calls were handled. Police and fire could not keep up with the calls for service made regarding illegal fireworks.

The people of Huntington Beach celebrated the Fourth in style for more than two decades without personal fireworks. We have a fantastic professional fireworks show at the pier and a fabulous parade.

There is no doubt that our community groups need better fundraising to pay for necessities such as new uniforms, equipment and facilities. There are other ways to raise the money besides subjecting our residents to the onslaught of illegal fireworks that having the “Safe and Sane” fireworks brings.

As mayor, I encourage you to let your council members know that you don’t need legalized fireworks to have a good time on the Fourth of July, and you don’t want to have them anymore in Huntington Beach.